Kicks 4 Guns 'has a very good day'

According to a gun violence website with 1,500 independent sources throughout the United States, there have been 33,666 incidents of gun violence, 8,619 deaths 18,029 injuries, 233 mass shootings, 196 law enforcement officers shot or killed and 1,351 accidental shootings in 2016.

An unwanted gun can easily become a stolen gun, and stolen guns are often involved in violent crimes according to a government study.

The OCSO and APD collected 43 unwanted guns last year.

A U.S. Department of Justice Bureau of Justice Statistics report found that 1.4 million firearms were stolen across the United States from 2005 through 2010 (there is no more current study). It also found that the vast majority — at least 80 percent — was never recovered, and that almost 1 in 5 (18%) of the mass shootings in the United States took place with stolen weapons.

Lieutenant Travis Mackey of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office personalized these statistics locally.

"We’re trying to get the guns out of the criminal’s hands. Violent crimes are increasing in Orange County. Criminals don’t care about borders. A lot of people are dying. Black on black crime is too high. That’s why Kicks 4 Guns is so important.”

Now in its 18th year, Kicks 4 Guns has grown to 15 locations around Central Florida, and involves law enforcement agencies in eight counties. Its goal is to get unwanted guns off the streets.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office and Apopka Police department sponsored a Kicks 4 Guns event at the John Bridges Center in Apopka. The event allowed residents to anonymously turn in unwanted weapons — no questions asked — in return for a $50 gift card. This year they collected 43 firearms (both real and simulated) in Apopka and 99 throughout Orange County.

Kicks for Guns has removed nearly 10,000 unwanted guns from the streets of Central Florida in the last 17 years. In 2015, almost 800 weapons were collected.

Rod Love, the co-chair of The Apopka Community Task Force on violence, stopped by the event to commend the OCSO and APD’s efforts.

“I want to commend the Sheriff’s Office and the Apopka Police Department for their efforts to get guns off the streets,” said Love. “It is because of efforts such as this that communities are safer. As Sheriff (Jerry)Demings has stated before, law enforcement cannot do it alone, this must be a community partnership. Through continued and demonstrated collaborative efforts with Orange County Commissioner Bryan Nelson, City of Apopka Commissioners Doug Bankson, Billy Dean and Kyle Becker in tandem with Apopka community leaders, faith and community based; we can become the safe neighborhood model for the State of Florida. Kudo’s to all involved, today was a very good day…”

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What kinds of guns are accepted?

Any and all guns are welcome. Pistols, shot guns, bb-guns, semi-automatics, rifles, etc.

2. What if i have a BB Gun, will I still get a pair of shoes?

Each location has it's own policy regarding BB Guns.

3. Will I get a pair of shoes for every gun turned in?

Rules vary from location to location. Best to contact the police agency that will be handling your drop off location for specific details.

Please note - Kicks 4 Guns is not a dumping ground for local pawn shops to unload their unwanted guns. You will be turned away if you are pawn shop trying to do so.

4. How do I transport my gun to Kicks 4 Guns?

People walking or driving to the event are encouraged to place their UNLOADED guns in a sealed bag or box clearly marked “Kicks 4 Guns”. If you are stopped by a police officer, tell him or her immediately that you have a weapon in the car and are headed to the event.

No one may enter the event carrying a gun. Guns are handed over to the police at the gate where they are checked, tagged and stacked.

5. What happens if someone offers to buy my gun on the way to Kicks 4 Guns?

Law enforcement discourages the sales of guns outside the Kicks 4 Guns venue.

6. What if I don't have a gun and want to go to Kicks 4 Guns?

Only people turning in guns and those accompanying them may enter the event. All others are required to remain outside the gates and view the event from there.

7. What if I cannot make it to Kicks 4 Guns and have a gun I want to get rid of?

For those living in the Daytona and Volusia County areas, a law enforcement officer will come to your house and pick up your gun. Please call - to make arrangements.

8. What if my size shoe isn't available? Can I exchange at the donating retailer?

People must choose from shoe stock on hand. There are no exchanges or refunds from donating stores. If a person turns in a gun and either can’t find shoes in their size or to their liking, they may choose shoes for someone else or decline to take any at all. There are no other options unless your location is also offering gift certificates.

9. What happens to the leftover shoes after the event?

Shoes left over are traditionally donated to local charities or kept for use in next year's event.

10. How can I make a monetary donation to Kicks 4 Guns?

Click here to make a monetary donation to Kicks 4 Guns. Please make sure to note it is for Kicks 4 Guns.

I have shoes/gift cards to donate I'd like to donate to Kicks 4 Guns. Click here to donate.

11. I have ammo, can I drop off unwanted ammo at Kicks 4 Guns?

Yes, you can drop off your ammo, but you won't get a gift card or shoes for the unwanted ammo.